Business: Ending two days of negative starts, the equity benchmark indices on Thursday showed positive momentum amid strong global cues. In the opening bell, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 264.85 points to 82,617.49. Meanwhile, the Nifty was also up by 76.75 points to 25,275.45 points.

Among the 30 Sensex firms, UltraTech Cement, Tata Steel, ITC, Titan, ICICI Bank, JSW Steel, Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank were the biggest gainers. Nestle, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the laggards. In Asian markets, Seoul and Shanghai were trading higher while Tokyo and Hong Kong quoted lower. The US markets ended on a mixed note on Wednesday. Meanwhile, global oil benchmark Brent crude traded 0.19 per cent higher at USD 72.84 a barrel.

Rupee against dollar 

The rupee appreciated by 4 paise to 83.97 against US dollar in early trade on Thursday supported by weakening of the American currency in the overseas market and a positive trend in domestic equities.

Forex traders said an overall drop in crude oil prices and foreign fund inflows aided investor sentiments.At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened at 83.98, then inched further to touch 83.97, registering a rise of 4 paise from its previous close. On Wednesday, the rupee breached the crucial 84-mark for the second time within a month and settled 3 paise lower at 84.01 against the American currency.